2019 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 GMC Acadia

2019 Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$23,800

MSRP

$29,800

Listings

1971

Listings

718

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Spacious third row

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews Summary

The 2019 model year sees the Equinox gain some clarity in the form of HD rear-view and surround-view cameras. Those are important upgrades in a vehicle that does not offer great visibility, and with a new infotainment system and a newly available Lights and Bright package making LED lights and chrome wheels an option for the LT trim, the Equinox is better than ever. But it’s still missing a lot, leaving it as an also-ran among its competition.

2020 GMC Acadia Reviews Summary

Long story short, as a friend of mine likes to say, GMC screwed up. This is just my opinion, of course, but when GMC redesigned the Acadia for the 2017 model year, the SUV shrank in size and switched to a softer look in order to plug a huge hole in the Buick-GMC SUV lineup.

Fast-forward to 2020, and GMC may have decided this move was a bad idea. As part of a refresh, the new Acadia adopts bolder styling and adds a new AT4 trim level with greater off-roading capability. Additional changes include the availability of a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and new and updated technology.

These revisions do help the Acadia to better stand out in what is now an ocean of midsize SUVs, from Hyundai to Kia and Honda to Toyota, and everything in between, but it’s up to GMC to make people aware of this fundamentally good, but oh-so-vanilla SUV. And the company must also address the Acadia’s questionable value.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 170 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 193 hp I4

Drivetrain

FWD

Drivetrain

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

Horsepower

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

27
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Acadia
$29,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$23,800
$29,800
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.9

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Spacious third row

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

Summary
The 2019 model year sees the Equinox gain some clarity in the form of HD rear-view and surround-view cameras. Those are important upgrades in a vehicle that does not offer great visibility, and with a new infotainment system and a newly available Lights and Bright package making LED lights and chrome wheels an option for the LT trim, the Equinox is better than ever. But it’s still missing a lot, leaving it as an also-ran among its competition.

Long story short, as a friend of mine likes to say, GMC screwed up. This is just my opinion, of course, but when GMC redesigned the Acadia for the 2017 model year, the SUV shrank in size and switched to a softer look in order to plug a huge hole in the Buick-GMC SUV lineup.

Fast-forward to 2020, and GMC may have decided this move was a bad idea. As part of a refresh, the new Acadia adopts bolder styling and adds a new AT4 trim level with greater off-roading capability. Additional changes include the availability of a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and new and updated technology.

These revisions do help the Acadia to better stand out in what is now an ocean of midsize SUVs, from Hyundai to Kia and Honda to Toyota, and everything in between, but it’s up to GMC to make people aware of this fundamentally good, but oh-so-vanilla SUV. And the company must also address the Acadia’s questionable value.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.5L 170 hp I4
2.5L 193 hp I4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
193 hp @ 6300 rpm
MPG City
26
21
MPG Highway
32
27
Look and feel

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

7/10

2020 GMC Acadia

8/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 GMC Acadia scores 8 out of 10. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offers a low starting price of $23,800, but the base L trim is only available via special order and lacks essential features. The higher trims offer more features, but advanced safety features are only available in the top-tier Premier trim. On the other hand, the 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand, offers a more upscale look and feel, especially in the Denali trim. However, it's worth noting that the Acadia is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet models and shares similar powertrains.
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Performance

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

7/10

2020 GMC Acadia

7/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2020 GMC Acadia 7 out of 10 for performance. The Equinox offers three engine options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, a 1.6-liter turbodiesel, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power. However, the transmission can be a bit cumbersome in lower speeds. The 2020 GMC Acadia offers three different engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The V6 engine provides 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth and refined power.
Form and function

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

6/10

2020 GMC Acadia

8/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is rated 6 out of 10 for form and function, while the 2020 GMC Acadia scores 8 out of 10. The Equinox provides ample room for passengers, but cargo capacity is limited compared to its competitors. The 2020 GMC Acadia offers seating for five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim level. The Denali trim provides comfortable leather-lined seating for up to six passengers, with ample storage space and improved interior quality.
Technology

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

8/10

2020 GMC Acadia

8/10
Both the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2020 GMC Acadia are rated 8 out of 10 for technology by CarGurus experts. The Equinox received significant upgrades in its infotainment system, offering standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Acadia also provides essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services.
Safety

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

9/10

2020 GMC Acadia

6/10
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is rated 9 out of 10 for safety, while the 2020 GMC Acadia scores 6 out of 10. The Equinox performs well in government and independent testing, with top marks in both sets of tests. However, advanced safety features are only available in the top-tier Premier trim, which may be a drawback for some consumers. The 2020 GMC Acadia offers standard safety features, but advanced driving assistance systems are only available in higher trims, potentially limiting access to crucial safety technologies.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox edges out the 2020 GMC Acadia with a slightly higher overall score. Therefore, the final recommendation is to choose the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for its better safety rating and cost-effectiveness.

Choose the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox if:

7.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize safety features and performance options.
  • You are looking for a more cost-effective option with a lower starting price.
  • You value a vehicle with a higher overall rating based on expert evaluations.
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Choose the 2020 GMC Acadia if:

7of 10overall
  • You seek a more upscale and premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim.
  • You prioritize interior quality and comfort, including leather-lined seating and ample storage space.
  • You are willing to invest in higher trim levels for access to advanced driving assistance systems.
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox edges out the 2020 GMC Acadia with a slightly higher overall score. Therefore, the final recommendation is to choose the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for its better safety rating and cost-effectiveness.

Choose the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox if:

Shop Now
7.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize safety features and performance options.
  • You are looking for a more cost-effective option with a lower starting price.
  • You value a vehicle with a higher overall rating based on expert evaluations.
5907 results

Choose the 2020 GMC Acadia if:

Shop Now
7of 10overall
  • You seek a more upscale and premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim.
  • You prioritize interior quality and comfort, including leather-lined seating and ample storage space.
  • You are willing to invest in higher trim levels for access to advanced driving assistance systems.
2717 results
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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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